Conservatory Program
@ New Music School
The New Music School Conservatory Program utilizes a robust five-level curriculum, combining private study, chamber music, and theory/ear training. Our program challenges and grows with students; whether they are picking up an instrument for the first time or are looking to enter the most prestigious music conservatories in the world. All of our lessons are upbeat, intense, and highly interactive since we believe these qualities make for the best possible learning environment.
New Music School’s curriculum provides a seamless path toward musical excellence. Each musical house (level) helps to track each 18 & under student’s achievements. Students are placed in houses through the jury process. In order to complete each house, students fulfill requirements in performance, repertoire, musicianship, and technique.
The Curriculum Houses*
College Preparatory Expectations
House of Bach Level I
House of Mozart Level II
House of Beethoven Level III
Undergraduate Expectations
House of Ravel Level IV
Graduate Expectations
House of Glass Level V
Artist Development &
Artist Management
*All students participating in the curriculum houses levels 1-4 are grades K-12, unless an exception is made for students under the age of 23. House of Glass students can be any age.
Components of each house include:
Weekly private lessons
Seasonal group recitals
Performance classes
Meetings with performance artists
Competitions
Performances throughout Chicago
Monthly workshops
Getting Started
At New Music School, our priority is ensuring that there is a healthy student/teacher relationship. Once you are ready to start your child with lessons, NMS will set up an initial private lesson with a recommended teacher. After the initial lesson, you will have the opportunity to enroll in the curriculum program.
BEGINNERS
Students that are just beginning or are still in the beginning levels of their instrument will be placed with one of our foundational instructors for an initial lesson.
INTERMEDIATE
Students with this level of experience will be placed with an instructor and complete a placement jury at the end of the first semester to determine their curriculum house.
ADVANCED
Students who are at an advanced level of playing will audition to study with an NMS artist or master level instructor. Based on their audition, the student will be placed with the appropriate level teacher. Audition requirements are sent after we have a discussion of your students performance level.